Luke 9:53-56 ..but the people/(Samaritans) there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them. Then He and His disciples went to another village.
As long as we live in this world we will face rejection and dejection. Not everyone will love and accept us. The emotional tumult and repercussions of rejection could be hurt, shame, embarrassment, anger, social anxiety or even depression. Rejection and resentment prods us into depression. “Pain is inevitable, but misery is optional.” ‘What Would Jesus Do?” How did He handle rejection, betrayal and disloyalty?
Jesus went into a Samaritan village but the villagers refused to welcome Him. Then, He went to another village. The villagers, who refused Jesus, rejected the God-in-flesh, Jesus. However the rejection did not offend Jesus but it infuriated the two brothers James and John. Church traditions believe that Salome and Mary were sisters and these disciples were the first cousins of Jesus.
There was a deep seeded enmity between the Jews and Samaritans as the Jews ostracized the Samaritans as ‘half-breeds’ as they inter-married the foreign settlers from Babylon and Assyria during the captivity. Despite the contempt of the Jews, Jesus loved, accepted and esteemed them with high regard. He honoured them in the parable of the “Good Samaritan” (Luke 10:25-37), he acknowledged the grateful Samaritan leper who was healed (Luke 17:11-19) and Jesus took a detour to redeemed the Samaritan woman who was living a lonely and empty life (John 4). Yet, those who hoarded hatred and bitterness rejected Jesus.
Jesus did not curse or judge them. He just moved away to another village. Rejection can be painful, especially if it is from those whom we’ve loved and cared for. However, allowing rejection to poison our hearts with resentment makes us bitter. Do what Jesus did when He was rejected.
WWJD:
1. Move: Jesus moved to another village. Rejection is not to deject but to direct us towards our purpose. Sometimes, rejection could be the door of opportunity to our destiny. Don’t be enraged, curse or stockpile revenge but just move on. Your role in the lives of those who have rejected you has come to an end.
2. Meek: Jesus responded meekly to the insult. Meekness keeps our mind focused on the bigger purpose and to do what is right and not to react to our feelings. The meek inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5), simply means ‘don’t irate with ego but remain meek even when you are insulted, misused and rejected.
3. Mediate: Jesus mediated for the hardhearted Samaritans who rejected Him. John and James wanted to call fire from heaven and see the judgement of God wipe them out. We forgive people but secretly wait for the judgment of the Lord to spit brimming burning coal and fire from heaven on them!
WWJD – Move on, remain meek and mitigate for those who reject, rebuff or repay evil for good.
Romans 12:19a Do not take revenge.
Prayer: Father God, help me to see a rejection as an opportunity to explore new territory. Coach me to remain meek and mediate/(intercede) for those who hurt me. Amen.
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